Fire engines in Aberdeen were once again out of action at the weekend, with the latest issues branded “very concerning” by an MSP.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed two pumps from the Altens station were “off the run” on Sunday.
Over the course of a week in March, four of Aberdeen’s full-time six appliances were unavailable to respond to emergencies across the north-east.
North-east Conservative MSP Tom Mason, who is also a councillor in Aberdeen, said: “Any indication that fire service resources could not be deployed because of manpower is very concerning.
“That pumps should be out of action for consecutive weekends is even more problematic.”
Firefighters have raised concerns since their repair workshop was transferred from the fire service’s Aberdeen headquarters at Anderson Drive to the asset resource centre at Claverhouse in Dundee in 2016.
The move followed the decision to relocate the city’s control room, with calls also now being handled in Tayside.
The fire service has stressed that mechanics are also based in Inverness, ensuring four mobile mechanics available to work in the north-east.
Bruce Farquharson, local senior officer for Aberdeen City, said safe levels of service had been maintained despite engines being off the road.
“I can confirm that the second appliance at Altens Community Fire Station was stood down on Sunday, April 8 as part of a safe and planned strategic decision which enabled us to maintain cover across the Aberdeen division.
“Capacity in our system allows us to maintain safe levels of operation and the public can be confident that we never drop below this safe level.
“In March, appliance availability in Aberdeen City was over 90%. It was 100%in Aberdeenshire and Moray and 98% across the North Service Delivery Area.”
He added: “A scheduled training course, which the second appliance had been due to attend, was cancelled and will be rescheduled.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues to attend at every emergency.”
